Missouri Defensive Back Jaylon Carlies Declares for NFL Draft

Missouri Tigers defensive back Jaylon "JC" Carlies declared for the 2024 NFL Draft via a heartfelt departing message on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday.

"First, I want to take the time to thank God because with him by my side through it all anything is possible!! These four years here at Mizzou have shown me so much and have helped me develop into a better football player and overall better man."

"I would like to thank (head) coach (Eli) Drink(witz) for giving me the opportunity to showcase my ability since I was a freshman and believing in me!! I would also like to thank (defensive coordinator Blake) Baker for developing me into an overall smarter football player and giving me intel on the game I will never forget. I would also like to thank the rest of the coaching staff for encouraging me and trusting me as well to be a member and leader of this team."

"To the brotherhood, words can't describe how much y'all mean to me!! The relationships I've built here are going to last a lifetime!! I'll never take any of them for granted."

"Lastly, the academic staff, thank you for never trying to stop pushing me to be the best I can be in the classroom. Mizzou Nation, thank you for everything!!! With that being said... I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft."

Carlies made a tremendous impact on the Tigers' historic Cotton Bowl-winning season, as the senior led the team in tackles (64). Carlies also tallied five pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2023.

Carlies becomes the third Tiger to declare for the draft, as he joins fellow defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and defensive lineman Darius Robinson.